23/08/2026-Solar & BESS Investment News & People's Move
- Viridian Energy
- 10 minutes ago
- 7 min read
USA NEWS
PowerBank acquires 13.9MW New York community solar portfolio
PowerBank has reacquired two community solar projects in New York with a combined capacity of 13.9MW and an estimated construction value of US$32.5 million.
The portfolio includes the 6.9MW Highway 28 project and the 7MW Gainesville project. Highway 28 is expected to reach construction readiness in Q3 2026, while Gainesville is targeted for 2027. Both projects have secured interconnection agreements, while Highway 28 has also received key permits and NYSERDA incentives. PowerBank expects the projects to qualify for federal investment tax credits and estimates approximately US$13 million in ITCs. The acquisition supports PowerBank’s strategy of increasing asset ownership and recurring revenue.
NextPower receives U.S. patent for solar trunk bus technology
NextPower has received a U.S. patent for its NX PowerMerge solar trunk bus technology, strengthening its position in the utility-scale solar electrical balance-of-system market. The technology is designed to simplify and streamline power collection from solar arrays, potentially reducing installation complexity, equipment requirements and project costs. Alongside the patent award, NextPower reported that its NX PowerMerge backlog has grown beyond 2GW, demonstrating strong demand for the technology across large-scale solar projects.
The development highlights continued innovation in solar electrical infrastructure as developers seek more efficient and cost-effective solutions. The patent also supports NextPower’s expansion in the U.S. utility-scale solar market.
New U.S. tariffs on solar products establish price floors
New U.S. tariffs on polysilicon and solar products are designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing by establishing minimum import prices and additional tariffs. The measures cover polysilicon, ingots, wafers, solar cells and modules, with the new rules taking effect December 4, 2026. Columbia University’s analysis suggests the policy could improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers, but its success will depend heavily on domestic manufacturing capacity.
Without sufficient investment in factories and supply chains, the tariffs could primarily increase costs for solar developers and operators rather than significantly replacing imports. The policy could therefore reshape U.S. solar economics and accelerate domestic supply-chain investment.
SunShare energizes two community solar gardens in New Mexico
SunShare and CSolPower have completed two community solar gardens in New Mexico: the 6MW Juniper Sol project in Santa Fe and the 4.5MW Rockhound Sol project in Deming. Juniper Sol covers 31 acres and incorporates agrivoltaic practices, including native and pollinator-friendly habitats.
Around 2,000 families are expected to benefit from subscriptions to the project, with half of subscribers being income-qualified. The project also supports affordable-housing partnerships. Rockhound Sol adds another 4.5MW of community solar capacity. Together, the projects represent SunShare’s first community solar gardens in New Mexico and expand the company’s community-focused renewable energy footprint.
EDP energy storage project joins existing California solar array
EDP Renewables North America has completed the 92MW/368MWh Sandrini Energy Storage project in Kern County, California. The battery energy storage system is co-located with the existing 300MW Sandrini Solar project, allowing storage to enhance the value and reliability of renewable generation.
Redwood Coast Energy Authority has an energy storage service agreement covering 100% of the battery capacity and 100MW of the solar capacity. The project is expected to generate approximately $5 million in local revenue supporting infrastructure such as schools, roads and emergency services. Construction supported around 50 jobs, while the project strengthens California’s grid reliability and renewable-energy capacity.
1,200-MWh energy storage project comes online for PG&E
Arevon Energy has brought the 300MW/1,200MWh Nighthawk Energy Storage Project online in Poway, California. The standalone battery project uses lithium-iron-phosphate technology and will support grid reliability in the San Diego region through a long-term agreement with PG&E.
With four hours of storage duration, Nighthawk can store electricity and dispatch it when demand is highest, helping balance California’s increasingly renewable-heavy electricity system. The project is also expected to provide economic benefits, including more than $30 million in property-tax revenue over its lifetime and significant construction employment. Nighthawk demonstrates the growing role of large-scale BESS in strengthening California’s grid and supporting renewable integration.
Europe News
Germany hits 128GW solar PV milestone
Germany has reached approximately 128GW of installed solar PV capacity, marking another major milestone in its renewable-energy expansion. The country is continuing to build solar at a rapid pace, supported by strong deployment across residential, commercial and utility-scale projects.
However, industry representatives warn that significant challenges remain, particularly around grid capacity, permitting, market design and the integration of increasing volumes of solar power. Germany’s 2030 target is 215GW, meaning substantial additional capacity still needs to be installed. The milestone highlights Germany’s position as one of Europe’s leading solar markets, while also showing the growing need for grid flexibility and energy storage.
Germany reaches 128GW solar milestone
Germany’s solar industry has reached another significant milestone with total installed PV capacity approaching 128GW. Rapid deployment has been supported by strong investment in rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects.
However, industry groups continue to highlight concerns about whether the current expansion rate can be maintained through 2030. Germany needs to reach 215GW of solar capacity by 2030, requiring continued annual additions and improved grid infrastructure. The growing share of solar generation is also increasing the importance of batteries, flexible demand and grid upgrades to manage periods of high renewable production. The milestone reinforces Germany’s importance as Europe’s largest solar market.
European solar module prices rise while buyer sentiment cools
European solar module prices continued to rise in June 2026, although buyer confidence weakened slightly. According to sun.store’s latest PV Index, premium module categories such as back-contact and full-black products reached new price highs, while bifacial TOPCon modules moved in the opposite direction.
The European PV Purchasing Managers’ Index declined from 70 to 67, although sentiment remained positive and 48% of buyers planned to increase purchases. Inverter prices generally declined, providing some cost relief for developers and installers. Overall, the market appears to be consolidating rather than reversing, with buyers remaining active but increasingly cautious about pricing and supply-chain developments.
Europe’s solar manufacturing capacity set for major expansion
Europe’s solar manufacturing sector is expected to significantly expand its production capacity by 2030, reaching approximately 88.2GW, according to the report cited by SolarQuarter. The planned expansion reflects Europe’s efforts to rebuild domestic solar manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported equipment, particularly from Asia.
New investments are expected across different parts of the PV supply chain, including cells and modules, while manufacturers are also exploring advanced technologies such as HJT and next-generation tandem cells. The expansion could strengthen Europe’s energy-security strategy and create new opportunities for manufacturers, technology suppliers and equipment providers, although competitiveness against established Asian producers remains a major challenge.
Europe’s largest solar project obtains final permit
Rezolv Energy’s Dama Solar project in Romania has received its final establishment authorization from the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority, marking a major development milestone for the planned giant PV plant. Located in Arad County near the Hungarian border, the project is expected to have around 1.24–1.3GW of solar capacity, with a 1.07GW grid connection.
The project covers approximately 1,064 hectares and has received government support through contracts for difference covering 520MW. Commercial operation is targeted by September 2030. Rezolv Energy has also indicated that battery storage could be added. The project would become one of Europe’s largest solar developments.
Peoples Move
TJ Ridgeway - Director of Major Projects -Southeast - Primoris Services Corporation
TJ Ridgeway has joined Primoris Services Corporation as Director of Major Projects – Southeast, taking on a senior leadership role focused on overseeing major projects across the region. His responsibilities include project execution, team coordination, resource management, and ensuring successful delivery of large-scale energy and infrastructure initiatives.
Brian Mathis - Vice President Operations -Orbital Energy
Brian Mathis has moved to Orbital Energy as Vice President Operations, where he is responsible for overseeing operational activities and supporting project execution. His role focuses on managing teams, coordinating resources, improving operational performance, and ensuring projects are delivered efficiently in line with the company’s strategic objectives.
George Atamian - Vice President Operations - Primoris Services Corporation
George Atamian has joined Primoris Services Corporation as Vice President Operations, taking on responsibility for operational leadership and project performance. He will support execution across projects, oversee teams and resources, and help ensure efficient delivery of Primoris’ energy and infrastructure initiatives.
Anatoliy A. Zeltser - Director of Projects - Facility Innovations Group
Anatoliy A. Zeltser has moved to Facility Innovations Group as Director of Projects, where he will lead project activities from planning through execution. His responsibilities include coordinating teams, managing project requirements, overseeing delivery, and supporting operational efficiency across the company’s project portfolio.
Josh Bywaters, M.S. - Director of Projects – Solar -Qcells EPC
Josh Bywaters, M.S. has joined Qcells EPC as Director of Projects – Solar, taking on leadership of solar project execution. He will oversee project teams, coordinate delivery activities, and support successful execution from planning through construction, leveraging his experience in solar project management and development.
Mike Stefanik -Senior VP – Power- FlatironDragados
Mike Stefanik has moved to FlatironDragados as Senior VP – Power, assuming senior leadership responsibility for power-related operations and projects. His role includes strategic oversight, project execution, team leadership, and coordination of resources to support the delivery of complex power and infrastructure projects.
Garrett Gill - Executive Vice President - Dudley Utility Services
Garrett Gill has joined Dudley Utility Services as Executive Vice President, taking on a senior executive leadership position. He will support operational strategy, business growth, project delivery, and organizational performance while helping guide teams and strengthen the company’s position within the utility services sector.
Rich Russell - Director - Elevate Renewables
Rich Russell has moved to Elevate Renewables as Director, supporting the company’s renewable energy activities and project initiatives. His responsibilities include coordinating stakeholders, supporting strategic priorities, and helping advance renewable energy projects while contributing to operational execution and broader business objectives.
Joe Stevens - Chief Operating Officer - Invera Energy
Joe Stevens has joined Invera Energy as Chief Operating Officer, taking responsibility for the company’s overall operational performance. His role includes overseeing operations, project execution, team performance, and strategic initiatives, while aligning day-to-day activities with Invera Energy’s broader growth and business objectives.
David Wagner - Sr. Vice President - MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure
David Wagner has moved to MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure as Sr. Vice President, taking on senior leadership responsibilities across clean energy and infrastructure activities. He will support large-scale project execution, operational performance, strategic growth, and the effective management of teams and complex energy infrastructure initiatives.
Justin E. - Vice President Operations - Vikta Energy
Justin E. has joined Vikta Energy as Vice President Operations, where he will oversee operational activities and project execution. His responsibilities include coordinating teams and resources, improving operational performance, and ensuring energy projects are delivered effectively while supporting the company’s broader strategic priorities.
Cole Clarke - Vice President Operations - Primoris Services Corporation
Cole Clarke has moved to Primoris Services Corporation as Vice President Operations, taking on a senior operational leadership role. He will oversee project execution, resource management, team coordination, and performance while supporting Primoris’ continued delivery of energy and infrastructure projects.
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